Apple isn’t used to swapping out its design very often and that can be seen in majority of its newer devices such as the recently announced iPhone 12 series or the MacBook computer except for the Mac desktop computers which usually come in some weird designs every time a newer model is released but this time, its about the AirPods 3 rumor.

Speaking of designs, the next-gen AirPods 3 according to new leaks could look similar to the AirPods Pro just with some insignificant differences which I’ll touch in a bit.

The release of the new “AirPods 3” could be as soon as March as new leaks suggests the device could go for as high as US$200 considering the US$249 price tag slapped on the previous AirPods Pro.

According to the leaked picture of the new device, it has a quite shorter stem with interchangeable ear tips as well as a much smaller charging case compared to the older AirPods Pro’s case which is slightly bigger than those of the 1st and 2nd gen AirPods TWS earbuds.

AirPods 3 rumor: It will look similar to AirPods Pro just shorter

Considering the unique design of the AirPods Pro and the success of it which has led to millions of copies being made by innumerable Chinese electronic makers and sold at a much cheaper price tag on AliExpress, Apple might be sticking with that same design for its next-gen AirPods 3 according to reports.

What is different is the length of the stem of the earbuds as well as the charging case which was reported by 52audio.

For a better ANC feature, the need for in-ear tips might be necessary which is why Apple might be bringing the design to the new device.

The inclusion of the ear tips on the AirPods Pro made the device great for sporting activities unlike the 1st and 2nd generation which doesn’t have the design.

While the AirPods Pro have clickable stems, the AirPods 3 may have touch surfaces for interacting with the earbuds.

52Audios isn’t the first channel to report about the forthcoming AirPods 3 as Bloomberg had earlier stated that the device could shgare the similar design aesthetics as the AirPods Pro just that some features such as the Active Noise cancellation (ANC) could be missing on the base model and also it’s not yet know if the transparency mode will be included as well.

AirPods 3 rumor: Will it support Spatial audio?

The Spatial audio was introduced with the iOS 14 last year on the AirPods Pro and it came with the AirPods Max headphones.

The technology is based on accelerometers and gyroscopes within the device to give virtual surround sound effect when watching supported movies and TV shows on an iPhone or iPad.

It’s unknown if Apple would include this feature on the base model of the AirPods 3 and there’s no information whether there will be multiple models such as AirPods 3 Pro that could have all the so-called “Pro features”.

In the leaked images, the case looks like it splits the difference between the more square AirPods and rectangular AirPods Pro cases.

Apple’s headphone would sound pretty nice for most consumers after all that’s why they’re successful and that same level of quality is what is expected of the AirPods 3.

TF International Securities research analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, who has a strong track record in Apple rumors over the years, released a note in July 2020 based on the AirPods 3 rumor claimed that the device would feature a similar system-in-package to the AirPods Pro, which means it’s likely audio quality would be comparable.

It’s also safe to assume that other AirPods and AirPods Pro features like quick switching will also come to AirPods 3.

When will AirPods 3 be released?

Apple couldn’t release any TWS earbuds last year even though it released the controversial AirPods Max and report suggests that the company might continue the release of its successful TWS earbuds at some point this year considering the company holding a big share of the market.

More AirPods 3 rumor have it that Apple could release the third-generation AirPods as soon as March which will be a good timing considering the fact that the company released its iPhone SE (2020 model) was released around that same period.

Also as for the price tag, it could be in the region of US$159 to US$199. There is also no assurance for a wireless charging case so keep that in mind as well.